Short answer: To use The Pursuit of God in an online small group, keep the same biblical goals as an in-person study but redesign the meeting for shorter attention spans, deliberate participation, shared digital materials, and explicit follow-up. The technology should support Scripture, discussion, prayer, obedience, and accountability—not become the focus of the meeting.
What changes online
A virtual group loses many natural cues. People can speak over one another, silence feels longer, side conversations disappear, and participants can become passive while technically present.
That means online facilitation must be more intentional.
Hebrews 10:24–25 emphasizes meeting together for mutual encouragement. The medium may change, but the purpose remains relational participation rather than content delivery.
Use a simple 60-minute format
0–10 minutes: connection and review
Welcome people by name. Ask one brief check-in question and review last week’s application.
10–20 minutes: Scripture and chapter focus
Give a two- or three-minute summary, then have someone else read the primary Scripture passage. Avoid a long screen-share lecture.
20–45 minutes: discussion
Use four or five strong questions rather than twelve mediocre ones. Call on people gently when needed, but allow a pass.
45–55 minutes: application and prayer
Each person identifies one response or prayer need. Use pairs or breakout rooms only if the group is large enough to benefit.
55–60 minutes: accountability and next meeting
Confirm the next chapter and one action to review.
Send preparation in one place
Use one email, shared document, or group message with:
- chapter to read;
- primary Scripture;
- two preparation questions;
- meeting link;
- start time and time zone;
- any worksheet link.
Do not scatter instructions across multiple platforms.
Make participation visible
Online groups work better when everyone has a role. Rotate:
- opening prayer;
- Scripture reading;
- one discussion question;
- closing summary;
- accountability check-in.
This reduces the temptation for one facilitator to dominate.
Use the chat strategically
The chat box can help quieter members participate. Ask everyone to type one word, one question, or one application before discussing aloud. Save important questions in a shared note rather than losing them when the meeting ends.
Handle silence differently
Online silence often feels awkward, so leaders answer too quickly. Tell the group in advance: “I am going to give us fifteen seconds to think.” Deliberate silence feels less accidental.
Protect confidentiality
Ask participants to use private spaces and headphones when sensitive discussion is expected. Do not record meetings without explicit informed agreement. Avoid placing personal prayer requests in shared documents unless the person has consented.
Keep technology simple
You need:
- a stable video platform;
- one shared document or worksheet;
- a backup communication channel.
You do not need elaborate slides, polling software, multiple apps, or constant screen sharing. Too much technology turns the group into a webinar.
Build online accountability between meetings
A short midweek message can ask: “What one truth are you practicing from this chapter?” Pair participants for a five-minute check-in or use a private message if appropriate.
Do not create a constant stream of notifications. The goal is faithful follow-up, not digital pressure.
Adapt for different group sizes
3–6 people: stay together for nearly everything.
7–10 people: use pairs briefly for application.
More than 10: consider breakout rooms with trained facilitators, or the meeting may become primarily a teaching session.
A launch checklist
Before the first meeting confirm:
- everyone has the same edition or knows chapter titles;
- everyone has the video link;
- the group understands confidentiality;
- participants know the meeting length;
- the leader has tested microphone and camera;
- one backup contact method exists;
- the first Scripture and discussion question are ready.
Related articles
- How Can a Small Group Use The Pursuit of God as a Bible Study?
- How to Facilitate a Pursuit of God Discussion Without Lecturing
- How Do You Create a Lesson Guide for The Pursuit of God?
- View the full Knowledge Catalogue
Go deeper
For groups that want a structured leader discussion guide and chapter-by-chapter study tools, the Our Kingdom Assignment edition can be used as the common resource: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVJFFS1J